EXCLUSIVE: Telepizza Discuss Their Ambitious Plans for the UK Market
Following on from the announcement of Telepizza's first UK store, QSR spoke with Giorgio Minardi, International President of Telepizza, about the chain's plans for the UK market.
QSR: Why did you decide to open in the UK?
The UK is one of the most challenging markets in the world for QSR but it also provides a great opportunity for Telepizza to expand into a new and dynamic market. Our international expansion is gaining momentum after a strong launch, which has been reinforced by our partners such as Karali, who are interested in working with us to help grow our brand globally.
QSR: What locations are your ten sites set to open in?
We are scoping locations in Central London, North West and South as well as in Manchester with our three regional master franchisees. We currently have a pipeline of 15 stores under evaluation. So far we have confirmed a second location in Tottenham Hale and construction will start in a few weeks for that store.
QSR: How large do you see Telepizza becoming and over what period of time?
We are establishing a network of franchisees that each have great expertise in QSR leader brands that will help drive momentum for Telepizza in the UK. We expect to launch a total of 150 stores within the next 10 years. We are market leaders and we have a considerable presence which makes us confident in our capabilities.
QSR: What makes your pizzas different to the offering currently in the market?
At Telepizza we are specialists in delivering handmade to order pizzas, each created with quality and fresh natural ingredients.
The secret is simple: a ball of fresh dough, hand stretched in front of our customers and topping with high quality carefully selected ingredients, friendly delivery and great value. All of it with a large amount of passion, fun and hospitality.
Apart from our own version of the iconic traditional pizza, the Telepizza menu also features innovative Chef’s signature pizzas such as the Volcano Nachos pizza, bringing an exciting new flavour to the UK market and appealing to consumers desire to ‘try something different’.
QSR: What is your price point?
We offer our customers great value. At Telepizza you can order a small pizza from £4.50 and up to £ 15.99 for our Large Volcano Nacho’s pizza.
QSR: What is your top selling pizza in Europe?
Our top selling pizza is the Barbecue Pizza, thanks to our unique and secret barbecue sauce.
QSR: What changes have you made to the menu for the UK palate?
Consumers continue to desire freshness which means high quality ingredients and fresh preparation methods; we were born in the Mediterranean, and so it is in our heritage to make all of our pizzas fresh to order and also offer healthy menu choices with our unique whole wheat dough, 30% reduced fat mozzarella, vegetarian items and gluten free on request.
QSR: What other items can we expect to see on your menu?
Apart from our fresh handmade pizzas and unique specialties including gourmet ingredients including Mango Chutney, we have unique sauces to dip, delicious chicken sides as well as desserts like Apple Crumble and Chocolate Brownie.
